The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-24

ready for either resistance, if it were possible,
or retreat if it became necessary to abandon
Castle House to fire and pillage. Above all
things, to provide for the safety of his family
and friends was his first and constant care
During these days Zermahs devotion knew
no bounds. At all hours she watched the
boundaries of the plantation. particularly on
the river side. few slaves, chosen from
among the most intelligent and best, lived day
and night at posts which had been assigned
to them. ANY attempt against the estate would
have been reported Immediately. The Bur
banks would not be taken unawares without
having time to take refuge in Castle House.
But James Burbank need not have been SO
anxious about direct strong handed attack
So long the authority not in the hands of
Texar and his people there was abandonment
of official form. Under the pressure of public
opinion the magistrates were brought to decide
a measure that would give a sort of satisfac-
ton to the slavery partisans, who were so in
censed against the North.
Burbank was the most important of the Florida
planters. the richest of those who were known
TO hold liberal opinions It was he who was
first thought Of to give explanation of his
personal ideas enfranchisement in the midst
of a slaveholding country.
In the evening of the Goth an orderly from
jacksonville arrived at Candles Bay, and
handed in letter addressed to him. This is
what the envelope contained
'Mr. James Burbank is ordered to present
himself in person to morrow, the 9th February,
at IL o'clock in the morning, at the court of
justice before the authorities of Jacksonville"
That was all
CHAPTER VI
BEFORE THE COURT
If this was not the clap of thunder, it was the
lightn ing fash that preceded it,
If James Burbank was not shaken by it, what
were the feelings of his family? Why should The
owner of Candies Bay be summoned to Jack
sonville? 1t indeed summons. not an in
vitation. to appear before the authorities. What
were they going to do2 Was this the beginning
Of some prosecution against hml Was it his
liberty or his life that was in danger9
If he obeyed if he left Castle
House would they let him come back9
If he did not obey. would they use force
to bring hima And in that case to what dangers.
to what violence, would his people be exposed2
You shall rot go, James"
1t was Mrs. Burbank, who spoke in the name
mo, Mr.. Burbank" said Alice. "You must
not think of leaving us"
ITO put yourself in the power of such people,"
added Carroll
Burbank did not answer. When he first read
the court order to appear he had become
angry that he could scarcely restrain himself.
What had happened to make the magistrates so
daring2 Had Texars com panions and partisans
found their way into Office? Had they procured
the dismissal OF the authorities who had hith-
erto acted with some moderation No Over
Perry had returned in the afternoon from
jacksonville and brought such news.
Gould 1t be some event of the warp said
Mr. Stannard; .'some advantage gained by the
Southerners which has led them attack US 2"
81 am afraid that be it," said Edward
Carol. IF the North has experienced some
check, these scoundrels will fancy they
more IN danger from Commodore Dupont. and
are capable of proceeding to any excess"
They say that in Texas, ;" said Mr.. Stannard.
sthe fedora. troops have had to retire before
the militia, and recross the Rio Grande. after
severe defeat at Valverde. At least. that is
what was told by Jacksonville man I met
about an hour ago"
''Eyidently that is what has made these fell
lows so bold" said Carroll.
'"Then Sherman's army and Dupont's fotilla
will not come!" exclaimed Mrs. Burbank. -
1T is only the Goth of February, said Alice.
''and, according to Gilbert's letter, the federal
ships will not be ready for sea before the 28:h."
Then you want the time to get down TO the
mouth of the st. Johns" added Mr. Stannard,
Ito force the passes, clear the bar, and make a
descent Jacksonville That will take ten
days"
'.Ten days." said Alice
. Ten days" added Mrs Burbank "And be-
fore then what may not happen to us2"
James Burbank took part in the conversa-
ton. He thinking He was asking himself
what he was do To refuse TO obey was TO
sec the whole populace of Jacksonville advance
on Candles Bay with the open or tacit approval
of the authorities How great would then be
the dangers of his family! Better risk his own
safety than theirs. If his life or liberty were
in peril. better that the peril should threaten
him alone.
Mrs Burbank looked at her husband with the
keenest anxiety. She felt that he was fighting
a battle with himself. She hesitated to question
him. Neither Alice, nor Stannard Carol
dare ask him what his answer was to be- 1t
little Dy who, unconsciously, no doubt, made
herself the mouthpiece of the family. She had
gone near her father. who took her his knee.
Father" said she.
What is it, dearY
''Are you going to those wicked people who
want to do SO much harm!"
Yes; will 60"
James," exclaimed Mrs Burbank
81 must; it is my duty. I will GO"
James Burbank had spoken resoIutely that
it was useless 20 say anything against his de-
He had evidently thought over all |
him and put her arms round him. but she said |
nothing. And what could she say?
''My friends" said Burbank, lit is possible |
that we are exaggerating the Importance of this |
act. What they say against me2 |
they know we'll Accuse OF my |
opinionsl My opinions are my own. 1 have |
never hidden them from my acversaries; and, |
as long as live, shall not hesitate to proclaim |
them their face"
I'VE will go with you, JamesH' said Carroll
60 to Jacksonville alone"
NO. my friends" answered Burbank. ITO
me alone comes the order to appear before the
ma gistrates, and alone will go. | may be kept
there for some days 1t is, therefore, better that
you stay at Candies Bay. To you ntrust my
family during my absence"
And you really goine2' said by.
Yes. my little daughter" said Burbank play
fully: '-but if do not lunch with you to- morrow
will come back to dinner, and We'll pass the
evening together. Now, tell me if, while [ am
at Jacksonville, there is anything can buy youl
What do to please you2 What shall l
bring you?
Bring yourself, father" said the child; and
at this expression of what all felt, the family
separated, after Burbank had taken such meas
lres of security the occasion required.
The night passed without alarm. In the
morning Burbank awake with the dawn,
and on his way down the avenue of
oamboos leading to the pier. There he gave
orders for a boat to be ready at O'Clock to
take him cross the river.